A/N: Thank you my darling shippers for your enthusiasm, support, wailing and gnashing of teeth, reviews, etc. I LOVE to hear from you. It's what drives me.

Again: THANK Klswhite! You have been instrumental in helping me pull the story and thought process together! I appreciate you SO much!


Elsie jumped when she heard Joe's voice from outside the bathroom door. She opened it cautiously.

"Woah! I thought you were going to get ready," Joe held his hands out in question.

"Joe, I'm not feeling too well. I just got sick in the bathroom," she lied and moved past him.

"What? Why? You were fine a minute ago?"

"No, I really wasn't. I hadn't told you because I didn't want to worry you while you were in America but I've had the flu. I'm just now getting over it." She lay down on the bed, her phone tucked closely to her breast in case it vibrated.

Joe stood in the middle of their bedroom, anger rising in him, "You should have told me Elsie! Did you go to the doctor?"

"Yes, Joe it's just influenza. I've felt poorly the last several days. I'm getting over it but I've been on so much medication that I get a little nauseous. I'm so sorry love. Maybe tomorrow I'll be feeling better. I feel like I just need to lie down for a bit." Elsie had the same feeling come over her she had been experiencing the last few days.

Joe sighed heavily, knowing his plans were spoiled, "Well I certainly don't want to catch anything! I'll sleep in the guest room downstairs tonight!" He walked across the room trying to put distance between them. At the doorway to the closet he paused, "Oh, Charles Carson just stopped by here."

Elsie felt like she was truly going to vomit now, "What? When?"

"Five minutes ago. I didn't know he and Alice were getting divorced. That's shocking."

"Oh my! That is! Wonder...why...why he would stop by here?" She feigned ignorance.

"Well he said he talked with you last week," Joe stated with a puzzled expression.

Elsie sat up on her elbow. "Well yes, but we only spoke briefly and I told him I would have to get back to him when I got back into town you see?"

Appeased Joe nodded, "Oh well he was in the neighborhood and just stopped by."

"Why did he...what did you tell him?"

"I told him you and I were about to have a quick shag before dinner and would he mind contacting you at work tomorrow," Joe pulled his tie off and walked to the large closet.

"You did not tell him that!?" Elsie's eyes were wide with horror.

"Yeah, actually I did," Joe chuckled and started to change clothes.

Elsie lay her head on the pillow again. Her eyes filled with tears and she looked at her phone. There was no notification. Her heart sank.

Joe came out of the closet dressed in more casual clothes, "So I guess I'll run out and get some take away. I'll be back." He sat on a chair as far from her as he could get and put his shoes on "You want me to bring you something?"

Elsie couldn't answer immediately. "I'm alright," she answered quietly, her voice a little shaky.

Without a second glance he headed to the door, "I'll be back. I've got my phone if you decide you want something." He left the room and as she heard him descend the stairs she let her tears flow freely.

"Hi beautiful," Joe held his phone between his cheek and shoulder as he grabbed his keys on the kitchen counter. "I just got in town a couple of hours ago. Can you meet me at the flat in half an hour?" He paused and smiled then got in the Rover and started it up, "Brilliant! I'll meet you there, I've missed you darling."

"Dammit Charles! Why aren't you answering?!" Elsie tossed her phone to the end of the bed and sobbed into her pillow.

Charles sat in his dimly lit sitting room, nursing a whiskey. He felt lost without his phone, felt lost without Elsie, felt lost. Joe was back and, to Charles, he sure seemed happy to be there. He shut his eyes, rubbing his forehead. "This is a mistake," he said into the emptiness.


Several weeks passed and Elsie somehow avoided Joe's sexual advances, finally he stopped trying. She was relieved, yet sickened at herself and her marriage. Her emotions ran the gamut from despair to anger. Charles returned none of her calls or texts. At first she'd been disappointed. Now, she was angry, angry he could just walk away without a word. Coward! she often muttered under her breath but a pang of guilt flooded her when she did. She returned to work, she had to, it was the right thing to do. It gave her an out at home and it temporarily took her mind off of Charles.

Charles never found his phone. It wasn't turned in at the conference center. He'd been forced to buy a new one and lost all of his information. He'd never received any of Elsie's texts or calls. He wondered again and again if she'd tried to contact him yet he didn't have the courage to call her. He didn't have her number memorized and would have to call her office. Somehow that seemed too desperate. He thought maybe the universe was telling him to move on, start fresh. He moved on, physically, mentally somewhat; got back to work, started tending his garden ferociously and drank a good bit of whiskey to dull the pain in the evening.


"Charles! Charles Carson!" Charles turned around when he heard the shrill voice calling for him. He saw Rosamund Painswick crossing the street with her hand in the air, "Charles...how are you? It's so good to see you!"

"Oh hello Rosamund! How are you?! It's been a long time."

"I know! I saw you coming out of the the market and wanted to say hello," Rosamund put her hand on Charles' arm. She, of course, knew about he and Alice. She had always wanted a go at Charles but he never showed interest when they were in law school, "How are you? Really? Since Alice left?" She walked along with him as he headed toward his car.

"I'm okay, really I am. Alice and I are very good friends. I only wish her the best."

"Oh, well, you are very kind Charles. Listen, why don't you join me for dinner some evening or maybe a coffee one morning. I would love to catch up."

"I don't know Roz. I'm..." Charles stopped himself and thought for a moment. He then decided, 'you know what! I should just get on with it.' "You know what. Let's do. Let's have dinner! How about tomorrow night?"

A broad smile spread across her face, "That's perfect!"

"I'll pick you up at 7. Here's my number. Actually let me call yours and then you'll have mine. You can text me your address." He fumbled around a moment, "Sorry, I have a new phone. It's the new iPhone 6 so I'm still learning it."

Rosamund laughed, "Ok got it. I'll text you my address. I'm so glad we're doing this." She squeezed his arm and turned to leave.

Charles watched her cross the street to her car. "Time to move forward mate," he mumbled under his breath.


"It's new clients and I want you to be there. Why is that so difficult for you?" Joe struggled with his bow tie.

"I still don't feel well. I would rather not go."

"What the hell is wrong with you Elsie? You never feel well any more? I think it's time to go to a doctor and find out what all this is about. We won't stay long, but I need you there. So put on something appropriate and let's go. I'm tired of begging you to do everything."

She reluctantly stood and quickly got ready. They left the house and headed to their dinner destination, "Where are we going?"

"The Ledbury," Joe glanced at himself in the rear view mirror and smoothed his hair down on one side. Elsie side eyed him. "Ugh," she thought to herself.

"It's a fabulous restaurant! I can't believe you've never eaten there," Rosamund chattered away as they drove.

"What's it called again," Charles asked just to make conversation.

"The Ledbury. It's truly one of my favorite places to dine. I'm sure you'll love it."

"Oh I'm sure I will too. I don't eat out much and especially fine dining."

"Well good this will be a treat for you," she reached over and took his hand that was resting on the console.

Charles smiled and glanced down nervously at their hands. He wasn't ready for another woman, much less physical contact.

"Thank you Mr. Burns. Enjoy your dinner." The valet took the keys from Joe and helped Elsie from the car. They walked into The Ledbury and waited at the hostess stand.


"Just valet, it's easier than trying to find parking," Charles obeyed, pulling up behind the line of cars outside the handed over the keys and Charles put his hand on the small of Rosamund's back, guiding her to the entry door. They stepped into the entry and Charles glanced around as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. "Joe! Elsie," Rosamund nearly screamed with delight, wrapping her hand around Charles' elbow.

Charles spun around as did Elsie; their eyes locked in disbelief.

"Fancy meeting you two here," Rosamund leaned in, kissing Elsie on the cheek. "You look fabulous darling!"

"Thank you, you as well Roz," Elsie forced a smile and cut her eyes to Charles who lowered his.

"Charles! We meet again," Joe nodded and looked to Elsie and then back to Charles. "Did you two ever connect?"

Remembering the scene at her home he responded coldly, "No, I got the answers I was looking for. Thank you." Charles let his gaze rest on Elsie for a moment, challenging her, "Well enjoy your dinner." He put his hand on Rosamund's back and pushed her forward.

"Oh..." Rosamund gasped and glanced surprisingly at Charles, "Yes...ah...enjoy your dinner. Good to see you both." She gave Charles a confused look.

"Yeah good to see you too," Elsie smiled faintly. She watched them walk away, noted Charles' hand on the small of Rosamund's back. A fresh wave of pain pulsed through her, leaning into Joe she whispered, "Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room."


"Are you alright Charles? You seem preoccupied," Rosamund observed her date's sudden change in manner.

"I'm fine Roz. I'm so sorry if I seem away," he was determined to get through dinner without any more suspicion. Smiling brightly he turned the conversation to her, "So tell me Roz, what have you been doing with yourself these days?"

She jabbered on for what seemed an eternity. Charles did his best to concentrate on what she was saying and answer appropriately when she came up for air. He was thankful Elsie and Joe were somewhere else in the restaurant and he could not see her. 'If she wanted to leave him, why is she on his arm?' He could not grasp what was going on; wondered if she'd played him for a fool. She'd probably done this loads of times before. Played with a man while Joe was out of town, then kicked him aside once Joe returned. They probably knew the score, he was the only one stupid enough to fall in love with her. Reaching up he pulled at the tie around his neck. It was hot in the restaurant and he was more than ready to get out of here.

"Roz?" He reached across the table and took her hand causing her to gasp, "Let's get out of here." His growling, low tone, made her blush feverishly. She brought her hand to her chest, "I want to be alone with you." 'What the hell are you doing mate?' Charles questioned himself.

"CHECK," Rosamund held her hand in the air and smiled at him breathlessly.

They paid quickly and left the restaurant. Elsie, Joe and his clients were sitting at a table by the window. Bored with listening to Joe brag, she'd taken to looking out the window. She spotted them getting into his car. His hand was at her back, stroking it. She bit her lip so hard she tasted blood, pushing down her emotion.

"Oh my Charles, you are eager," Rosamund struggled to keep up with Charles' boyish advances. He shrugged out of his jacket and loosened his tie with one hand while the other palm squeezed her bum, pushing her into a rather large chair in her living room.

Charles didn't speak but continued his aggressive onrush of fondling her. He buried his face in her chest and kissed her neck and collarbone. He only grunted as he pushed further.

"Oh yes Charles..." She pulled her skirt around her hips and opened her legs for him, began to frantically unbutton his shirt and return his kisses. Soon she reached for the buckle of his belt and began to unfasten it, unzipping his pants she moaned loudly when her hand made contact with his manhood, "OH GOD!"

Charles squeezed his eyes shut, his lips caressing her ear and the tender flesh below it. He wanted to stop. He knew this wasn't right, he was only using Rosamund to push away the feelings that were carving a hole in his heart. Her sloppy administrations to his cock were to no avail. He wasn't aroused, he was angry. He let her continue for a moment longer then pushed himself off of her, "I'm sorry Roz. I can't do this..." He stood pulling his pants up and fastening them before sitting heavily on the sofa near the chair. He ran his hand through his thick locks, "God dammit! I'm sorry. I'm a prick for doing this."

Shocked, Rosamund pulled her dress down and ran her hand across her lips. She didn't say anything for a long time, "Yeah, you are a prick for this doing this!" He looked up, misery etched on his face. She laughed lightly, "But if I'm not who you want, I'm glad you stopped!" Rosamund stood and made her way to the bar cart, "Scotch?"

"Please."

She returned with 2 glasses and sat down beside him, "So what the hell was that all about?!"

Charles took a long swig of the drink and closed his eyes, leaning back into the plush sofa cushions. "Oh Roz," he sighed heavily. "I'm in love with another woman."

"Then why are you here," she asked calmly.

"I don't know, " he paused. "Stupidity, largely. I wanted to make it go away. I can't have her."

"Why not," she asked matter-of-factly.

"She's a married."

"Mores the pity," she smiled knowingly and took of sip from her glass. "Does she know you love her?"

"I don't know."

"Then how do you know you cannot have her?"

"I don't think she'll leave her husband. He's a wealthy, powerful man. I can't offer her everything he does."

"Maybe she doesn't need what he offers." She paused, "Maybe she needs what you can offer."

Charles looked at her with a sad smile, "I wish it were that simple. I wish I knew for sure."

She raised her eyebrow, "You can, you know. Tell her. Tell her then decide if you should be this miserable. No use borrowing trouble if you can avoid it."

"I don't think I can just..."

"Yes, you can. And when you do it might free her."

Charles looked at her quizzically, as if she knew. "What do you mean Roz?"

She smiled knowingly, "Joe's a bastard Charles. He cares only about himself. Elsie's never been happy. It was you she should have married in the first place. You can free her from his chains."

His eyes widened. "How...how did you know?"

She shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm a woman Charles. We always know." She stroked his cheek gently, "Go, fight for her."